Longtime Patriots DL Julius Adams passes away

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Longtime New England Patriots defensive lineman Julius Adams, a 50th Anniversary Team selection who played defensive end for the team from 1971-1985 and then again in 1987, has died. He was 67 years old.

Born April 26, 1948, in Macon, Georgia, Adams played 16 seasons for the Patriots after joining the team as a second-round draft pick (27th overall) out of Texas Southern in 1971. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting in 11 games and being named to the UPI all-rookie team.

Adams played in 206 games with the Patriots, third all-time, behind Tom Brady (225) and offensive tackle Bruce Armstrong (212). Adams finished his career with 79.5 sacks, second in team history to the 100 sacks by Andre Tippett.

Adams played a big role in the Patriots’ famous “Snow Plow Game” on Dec. 12, 1982, when he blocked a Miami field goal attempt in a 3-0 New England victory at Schaefer Stadium. He also played on the 1985 team that reached the franchise’s first Super Bowl and then retired for one season before coming out of retirement for 1987 season.